Alex Trebek returns to 'Jeopardy!' hosting duties following pancreatic cancer diagnosis

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'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek reveals he's been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer

'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek released a YouTube video on Wednesday revealing the news that he's been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Alex Trebek is back at work hosting “Jeopardy!” following his shocking announcement that he’s been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

The 78-year-old host returned to set for his first day of scheduled taping since announcing the sad news to fans by way of a video on YouTube, a representative for the star confirmed to Fox News. News of his return aren’t surprising given that he had told fans that, in addition to his goal of beating the cancer, he doesn’t want to stop doing his job.

"Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working," he said on the video. "And with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease."

Trebek’s pledge to keep hosting “Jeopardy!” comes as welcome news to fans, who have grown used to seeing him helm the popular trivia show for the past 35 years. He joked about that fact while announcing the news of his cancer diagnosis.

"Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host 'Jeopardy!' for three more years!" he said. "So help me. Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done. Thank you."

That’s not to say that he’s given no thought to how the show would continue without him. He previously joked that actress Betty White, 97, should be the person to replace him.